Clarke’s Critics Need Reality Check

Even before he is out the door and retired from the sport, it appears that people are lining up to stick the boot into Michael Clarke.

Former players Matthew Hayden, Andrew Symonds and now, former coach John Buchanan have come out in force, speaking of the departing skipper in less than glowing terms.

Whether it is Symonds’ accusation of Clarke not being a “natural leader”, or Buchanan’s thoughts regarding that the much-vaunted culture that was supposedly inherent within Australian cricket was “eroded” under the leadership of Clarke, it has been somewhat surprising to see this treatment even before he’s played his last test.

There’s no doubt that ‘Pup’, as Clarke is affectionately known, has been a divisive figure within Australian Cricket and the cricket-loving public ever since he burst onto the scene with a century on debut in India in 2004, followed by a century in his debut test on home soil a few months later.

The first captain to come from “Generation X”, Clarke was always a little different. The tattoos, earrings and celebrity girlfriend were a far cry from the gruff, steely attitudes from bygone eras of Border, Waugh and company. For some, this never sat right and was an impediment that they refused to get over.

It is difficult to ascertain what is to be gained by these three characters speaking out so negatively now. Although, it is hardly surprising that Symonds and Hayden – two Queenslanders – would come out together in their criticism of Clarke. They have been thick as thieves for decades, with Hayden acting as a witness for Symonds in the infamous ‘Monkey-gate’ scandal of the 2007-08 test at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

It’s hard to give much, if any, weight to the claims from these three. Arguably, these three have struggled for relevance since they retired from international cricket. Buchanan seems to pop up now only when media come calling to provide grabs and criticise the current regime or playing group.

Hayden, Symonds and Buchanan knew a young Michael Clarke. They undoubtedly saw a precocious and over-confident Clarke, who had the world at his feet. Leadership skills are learned, as well as being inherent. Clarke came into a team containing some of the greatest names in the history of Australian cricket in Warne, McGrath and Ponting. Experience abounded.

When he took over the captaincy, he did not have the luxury. He led a team through waves of change that saw both dismal performances and the pinnacle of the achievement.

Put simply, it is a ludicrous assertion that Clarke retires the same player and leader as he was upon entering the game.

Whatever his legacy, let us not forget we are talking about a man who is a four-time Allan Border Medallist and a Wisden Cricket of the Year.

Far more importantly though, we are talking about the man who led Australia – cricket lovers and the nation as a whole – through one of the greatest sporting tragedies this country has and will ever see in the death of Phillip Hughes. The way he dealt with this typified his dignity, grace and friendship.

For that alone he deserves respect. Enjoy your retirement and impending fatherhood. Please, don’t be lost to the game.

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